CHEERS

Jill and I are in the English countryside touring the MOST magnificent private gardens and estates, which include acres of open meadows, secret walled gardens, lush landscapes, fields of wildflowers inviting songbirds of every description, zen-like ponds and fountains, stone sculptures artfully displayed to catch the eye, precision-like hedges of giant yew and beech creating one lovely vignette after another, colorful trellises covered in climbing roses and clematis, peonies, peonies, peonies, and of course, the proverbial grass tennis courts and swimming pools (the "gentry" really do live differently)

A few of these incredible properties have been passed down from generation to generation to generation . . . some dating back long before the United States was an established nation, and the responsibility to maintain these extraordinary homes and grounds is a heavy (and I can only imagine) EXPENSIVE reality. (Dare I say, burden?) No longer "men of leisure," these property owners must now work for a living, even if it means monetizing the family home. Even so, it's a lovely lifestyle to be sure.

While I bask in all this beauty, Sarah and Kate remain at home to man (I should say "woman") the fires, while the Internet makes it possible for me to stay connected and conduct business from afar.

As timing would have it, it has been an incredibly busy week with both Scenic and Carlston going pending - both in multiple-offer scenarios - and both with outstanding results (presentation absolutely does make a difference). Next up: 5429 Belgrave. This terrific Rockridge home is receiving LOTS of strong interest, and we expect to take offers next week, just as soon as I return. (Real Estate is a 24/7 occupation.)


In the meantime, this trip has been truly inspirational; a bit of beauty and sanity in a world that has seemingly gone mad. (Maybe there's a vacant cottage on one of these estates I can move into?) For now, I'm going to enjoy the garden tours which have been spectacular, along with the other ladies in attendance, not to mention our hosts with their generous English hospitality. It's been an incredible week on many levels and I am grateful for the time away. Cheers!


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